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Thursday, August 30, 2012

The sky is dark with wings . . . .Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.In the fight for Luce, who will win?The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

I have been reading the Fallen series since they first started way back when. It seems like I have been patiently waiting for Luce's and Daniel's story to be wrapped up, to see if they have to wait another life time to be together.

The third installment for me, dragged it out. It was where Luce and Bill (AKA Lucifer) went through all of Luce's past lives with Daniel. I feel it could have been done in a .5 version. I did like that it got across how eternal their love was.

OK - So - Book Four. I wanted some steamy scenes. You know, come on, this is the first time in thousands of years that the two actually get to touch and Luce not burst into flames. I got to see Daniel's really sweet side. And looking back, I kind of miss his tough guy attitude that was first scene in Fallen. Daniel this book asserts leadership among the demons, the Outcasts, the fallen, and just about anyone else who gets in his way.

For the plot, everyone has to get three relics that have been scattered and unseen in 9 days before Lucifer gets to re-write history and wipe out everything. His ultimate goal is to make some changes, and one of the results is Daniel and Luce are no more. Which makes one wonder: why does the king of hell care for some slip of a girl? All is revealed.

I thought Luce was a bit weaker in this story. She "suffered" from leaning on her boyfriend too much. Daniel had to push her farther and convince her she was capable of stopping Lucifer. I like female characters like Rose from the Vampire Academy and Charlie from The Pledge. Confident women.

Now that I know the ending, I want to re-read Fallen. That was my favorite in the series.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.Something worse than the Arum has come to town…The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.But then everything changes…I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

This is what went through my head when I got done reading Onyx: Wow. How do I write a review for this? OMG. Wow.

Second - I can finally start reading other people's reviews. Awesome.

OK - On to the actual review.

It picks up right after Obsidian. Daemon is out to prove to Katy that he wants her. Katy has a big problem with this because she thinks it is because of the alien connection thing. I will say she holds out for a really long time and I don't think I would have been able to, not with all his kittens, pen poking, intense green gaze, and alien mojo. I did get annoyed with Katy for not believing him sooner. I mean, come on, he's proving himself, again, and again.

I didn't like Blake from the beginning. Glad he's charming. Glad he gave Katy some normalcy, but see ya. I was really happy to see this not turn into an Edward/Jacob/Bella triangle. I would really like to tell you my opinion of Blake but I don't want to be too spoilerish.

Ash is such a bi-yatch. But in such a good way. She's the girl that you hated in school, but you knew her which is why I like that she's in this story.

Dee and Adam - no words.

Matthew - pretty good guy not such a d-bag any more.

As for the plot, you get to one climax which is pretty huge and then you still have forty more pages until the end. I mean I would have been happy with JLA's sexually frustrating scenes, but no, she throws in a second climax, with an ending where I was just dumbfounded with. I immediately looked up when the third one comes out. Intense. Intense. The DOD - you sneaky, sneaky government operation. Good villain.

I thought it was great. You know who sometimes the sequel is the set up for the third? Not the case.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life form on Earth, human girls are…well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane.Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in.Captivated. Lured. Loved.Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence...and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself

Shadows was my extra for the JLA-Read-A-Thon.

I am typically not a fan of a short prequel. Not because I think they are bad, I just get used to a full story, and when an author does a .5, I don't feel complete. Shadows was good. Much better than any other .5 that I have read.

I actually think I like Bethany better than Katy - No one throw anything at me. Don't get me wrong, I like Katy, but Bethany I think had a little more bad ass in her than Katy.

When it came to Dawson - I kept picturing Daemon as a nice, non-smart ass and it was weird in the beginning. It took me a little bit to really connect that though I was still imagining the same person, but JLA did a great job distinguishing the personalities. It's one of those things, someone who is loud and obviously tough is scary, but the quiet ones are the ones you have to watch out for and I feel that is what Dawson is. Everyone expects Daemon to make bad choices, they expect him to be wayward, and they expect him to be a fighter. I got the feeling that no one expected Dawson to go balls to the wall for Bethany. Dawson was so warm, and open with Bethany. He liked her. He was going to show her. That was it. No games. I don't like games.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

There is need. And then there is Fate...Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone

I was part of the JLA READ A THON this past weekend. I knocked out Half-Blood again, which was good because reading these two novels sets me up for the Deity release. Some things I forgot - the chemistry between Alex and Aiden, that there is a Breed order, and Seth - in general. Because this is a second in the series, it is slightly spoilerish for Half-Blood.

Pure - starts off pretty close to where Half-Blood ends. This book was a surprise because I thought Aiden would be unable to stay away from her, and he does but he doesn't, kind of like a Dimitri thing. I thought his surprise day off of covenant was incredibly sweet, but cruel at the same time. I was heart broken for Alex. I don't think Aiden was cruel, I just think he was doing something nice for Alex and they both got caught up in it. I think this is the scene I got to imagine them as a couple, out in the open. His choices after Alex's "big reveal" were for the right reasons, especially when Seth took Alex to see the couple that got caught being a pure and a half-blood. He's making the right choice.

Which leads me to Seth - He's a jerk right? So why was he being so nice - well that gets explained, doesn't it? I think it's sweet that Seth stays with Alex because of her nightmares - but it is slightly selfish because he feels what she feels and vice versa. I did really start to see his emotions for Alex, when that terrible situation with Caleb happens. Seth becomes downright protective barring anyone who wanted to come see Alex.

Then they have to go meet the obnoxious Telly. I don't like him. Two words: Red Dress. Man does that send Aiden and Seth for a loop. But while they are away from the Covenant, it becomes clear that someone, faction, whoever is trying to eliminate Alex from the Apollyon like sending her into servitude, however this person or people are unaware the length Aiden and Seth will go for her.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Q: What blogger inspires you? It can be any kind, it doesn’t have to be a book blog.

I would have to say Val from Stuck in Books. She's putting on an awesome Read A Thon Challenge right now. She was an awesome advocate in the YA Crush Tourney. She puts out countless reviews and offers tons of giveaway. I'm not sure how she manages a life outside of blogging. She does an awesome job!

Maybe you didn't hear, but the awesome Jennifer L. Armentrout's Onyx from the Lux series came out this week. Oh, you didn't hear? You must live under a rock. :)

Anyway, Valerie over at Stuck in Books asked a few of us to put together a challenge for you guys for some goodies! As in, JLA goodies - yeah the good stuff. It's all part of the JLA read a thon. If you want more information on the read a thon - head over to Valerie's blog.

So what we have in store for you is a Playlist Challenge. Here is the run down of what you need to do. Pick five songs that you think would be part of an awesome soundtrack for the JLA's Obsidian.

Rules:

Fill out the form.

Pick five songs - including the artist. There are a lot of remakes out there and Seether's Careless Whisper is way different than George Michael's.

Tell us what scene, page number, the conversation, or chapter you think your songs fit.

Leave your email and name.

There will be 1 winner; the winner will be able to pick from this prize pile. (UM, hello!)

One entry per person. Duplicates will be deleted. So make your list awesome the first time around.
The contest runs from 17th to 24th.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff seriesTough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1New York Timesbestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

I had previously said that I was nervous about the Bloodlines series, was really happy with the first installment, and was equally happy with the Golden Lily. Why was I happy you ask? Um, Dimitri.

I really. Really. REALLY. missed him. I know he just went up against Adrian, who I also adore, but Dimitri, I mean are there words for him? None that would do my little Russian justice. While the story did not center around him at all, it was great to see his mannerisms and his seriousness and his bad ass abilities.

I'll move on now.

Sydney is such a great character, I mean, she's not your bad ass protagonist, but she's smart, and try as she might, she's extremely loyal (to a bunch of vampires,) including the sexy Adrian, who deserves to be happy. And if it isn't not with me, it should be with Sydney. Who cares about rules. I don't. The entire book you can see that the relationship between the two was building, subtly. My favorite part is when Sydney stands up to Adrian's father and then buys him a slushie afterward to make Adrian feel better. I dunno, it's one of those real life moments. My boyfriend who do something like that for me. It's thoughtful. SPOILER **** I was so freakin' excited when Adrian and Sydney kissed and so freakin' upset when she walked away. That should be rectified in the next book.

The major conflict of the book was interesting and I think adds a really strong element that the good vampires shouldn't just be concerned with Strigori. I thought Syd was so brave. Again, not a bad ass, but the quiet brave. I feel that she's the type of person, when in a moment of crisis, when she speaks, everyone stops and listens to her, because they respect her.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Can true love be forgotten?As the only scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out--a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies' cry for blood is growing louder.As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen's sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.Josephine Angelini's compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling "Starcrossed" delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds all expectations

In my previous review, I told you how much I loved Starcrossed. I loved Dreamless just as much. I warn you that if you haven't read the first in the series this will be somewhat spoilerish.

Where to begin?

Helen and Lucas. *Heaves a big sigh* OK - so that secret that Daphene told still governs their relationship, keeping them apart. And in the whole book - D never lets it out - which really infuriates me. Everyone needs them to stay away from each other, but they can't. Lucas turns into a jerk, trying to get Helen to stay away from him, for her own good, and that doesn't even work. In the end, Lucas and Helen - I don't know! I need book three. Like now.

So what is Helen doing in this book? Oh ya know, heading into the Underworld every night, exhausting herself, hanging out with the hottie Orionwho happens to fall for her. I'm not a big fan of the love triangle thing - not since Andrea Cremer broke my heart with Ren - but Helen is the equivalent of Helen of Troy, who isn't going to fall for her? So it works, and I'm good with it. I think I'm also good with it because I don't think Helen has an actual choice to make.
Helen and Orion scour the Underworld, and meet and learn about a lot of interesting mythological characters. My favorite would have to be Ares. Did anyone watch Hercules with Kevin Sorbo? If you did, do you remember the character who played Ares - he was hott, this Ares is not so much. He's grotesque actually and I love it. It makes perfect sense.

My heart breaks for Hector who has to stay away from his family. He clearly is devoted to them and it's so hard for him to be away. If you remember, Hector, went to war for Paris and Helen's love just because he loved his brother. Modern day Hector has that same selfless love when it comes to his family. I have a feeling he is going to be an intricate part in the third installment...

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Hey everyone!
It's time to sign up for the New Author Blog Hop! I did this last year with some great people and hope to make this year even better!

The NABH is about promoting authors who have recently broken on to the publish scene. It is supposed to be someone who has published within the last year, but if you really want to feature someone that published over that, it's not a big deal. Authors could have traditionally or self-published. If you want to feature your own book, feel free. You worked hard! The publishing world is tough and this is a great way to spread the word for people. So who do you want to feature?

The hop is going to run from the 23rd to the 29th of September. I am starting this now so you can get your authors, giveaways, swag, questions and/or guest posts together.

I am asking that you please have the post up and ready on the 23rd at midnight Eastern time, so all links are active to your post.

Something new this year is a Grand Prize giveaway! I am going to do a separate giveaway that if hoppers go to everyone on the lists post and enter each giveaway, they will be entered to win the grand prize. I have a few things for this, but would love if you could donate some swag, ebooks, books, whatever you got! It would be another great way to promote your author!

If you have any questions, want to jump on board with the promotion, or just want to say hi -comment here, email me at mf060784 at gmail or find me on twitter at mflick729

I am lucky enough to be featuring Wendy Higgins, the author of Sweet Evil! I will be offering up a copy of Sweet Evil and Wendy is going to be sending my lucky winner some signed bookmarks.

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?I hope you participate!

Friday, August 10, 2012

When you hop along on the writing blogs, you read a lot about the hard work that goes into writing. And, lets be honest, it IS hard work. The amount of time you spend, thinking, that's right, thinking, is overwhelming let alone the amount of time it takes to put the 100K story down on paper. I recently read a tweet by Colleen Houck - A writer is never on vacation. They are either writing or they are thinking about writing. Raise your hand if you fall under this category.

So while sometimes I wonder why my life's passion drives me crazy - there are some, hands down, fantastic moments when you are a writer. Some things are: the moment you finish the first rough draft - (I sometimes yell Hallelujah. What do you yell?), when someone tells you they were up all night reading your book, when you make your first sale, the release of your book. On Tuesday I got to do one of my favorite things - design the cover!

I feel super fortunate in this because the person who designs my cover is one of my former students - Kenzie Mencer of Kaboom photography. This young lady has had her own business since the beginning of her high school career. Can you say the same?

Anyway - Kenzie, Maggie, and I got together, took a drive into the woods, found a spot, stuck Maggie on wet trees, in trees, and in the sun. I'm lucky that Kenzie knows how a body will be captured on film. She also has no problem telling me "I'm being cliche." Maggie is so adaptable. She's very subtle about her facial expressions and can transform from: dejected, to angry, to sad in a blink of an eye.

Here's Maggie - she has a tendency to pose like it's her senior portraits. If you wanted to see Maggie's senior pics, check out Kenzie's website - the link is above.

This Kenzie accusing me of "stealing" her job as I document. Hey - I need to document.

This is Kenzie and Maggie being professional. They are cousins and terribly funny but when it comes down to doing the work, they are all business.

I love this pose with Maggie - can you guess which twin she is?

Kenzie getting in her shots.

This is right before I video taped Maggie climbing in a tree. I promised her that I would not show the video. It's pretty funny though.

I had a great time and wanted to share it with you! Do you have any cover stories you want to share? LMK.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

I loved this book so much. I went on vacation when I read this book. I was in the Jack Daniel's distillery and at every moment I could I pulled out my NOOK and read it. It got to the point where my boyfriend said: Must be a good book huh?

I had never read the summary so everything about this book was a surprise to me. It was great! I anticipated Helen meeting Lucas and the swooning to happen. I did not anticipate that she would want to murder him and despise him or that the furies would be involved. I had no idea who/what Helen was.

Sadly, it took me a really long time to start placing the names, Helen, Hector, Cassandra. Then it clicked, that they were going to be re-enacting the Trojan War, which made me blissfully happy that Helen and Lucas would get together. He would be my new boyfriend.

SPOILERISH

I LOVE their relationship, Lucas and Helen, that is. I love how he adores her, how they fight for each other, how they fall and break everything in their bodies, how they fly together, how like Paris and Helen, they cannot stay away from each other. It's destined. *blushes because she realizes the romantic in her is coming out* Oh, but wait, Helen and Paris were miserable, so does that mean Helen and Lucas are going to be? You bet it does and man do I hate "D" for the lie. HATE!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Ladies and Gents! I would like to welcome Linn B. Halton to my blog today!! I had the joy of being selected to be on her tour and read her book! In today's post, you'll get to hear about Linn, her book, and get a chance to win her book!

Author Bio

Linn B Halton lives in the UK, in the small
Gloucestershire village of Arlingham, on t he banks of the River Severn with her adorable
husband and cat with attitude – MrTiggs! She writes romantic fiction with a psychic
or astrological theme and many of theparanormal events that feature in her books are
real life experiences.

Linn is also a featured new Author on
http://loveahappyending.com/ and Editor of the feature ‘Author & Associate Catch-Ups’
including ‘Reader/Author Team Reports’ on thewebsite’s magazine-style blog. (MAKE SURE TO CHECK HER OUT HERE!)

Age, relationships, and careers – we are all unique. Yet beneath
the exterior facade we choose

to show to the world at large, what do we have in common? The
things we bury deep inside; the

worries and fears we are unable to verbalise, and the hand fate
takes in our lives is a common

thread. Sometimes we fail to recognise in each other that
innermost struggle on the path to true

love.

Six very different stories, six couples linked by The Restaurant @
The Mill, owned by Hilary

Marks and Ben Adams. As the restaurant thrives the atmosphere is
alive with conversation,

snapshots of lives unfolding; each one a personal journey.

My review: The reason why I loved this book was there were six different stories going on that at some point intertwined. I have always been primarily a YA reader that some times tables in the older stuff. I was really happy I signed up for this tour. It was an easy read that I finished in a few sittings. If you are a dabbler like me, this is for you.

Hillary was my favorite our of the women that I met. I liked her progression throughout her story. I felt she kind of started off too submissive to Ben. I also wasn't a big fan of Ben, but I think that the difference between YA and Women fiction. The men are different, not bad, but different. I also thought that Ben and Hillary's relationship was realistic.

Thomas was someone who I found to be - not the sure of the word - curious - and I mean I was curious about him. His story is told from his perspective and he starts out with being "girlfriend free" and why he hasn't married yet. I'm someone who really enjoys different point of views and Thomas was def. that.

Overall, great read.

Here is an excerpt:

The first time I walked
around the flour mill at Huntingbridge in Gloucestershire turned out to be a
life-changing moment.Reminiscent
of the first time I met my business partner, Ben Adams.The initial thought that struck me on
both occasions was “Great, not perfect, but I can work with this.” It was
enough to clinch the deal for me.

You see, I thought I had a
“perfect” life once a long time ago. I married Josh, the man of my dreams, only
to find out one failed marriage and a broken heart later, that everything can
change in an instant.What you see
depends upon where you’re standing when you admire it.If you’re on the outside looking in on
someone else’s life, it’s only natural to form an opinion based on the façade
you see.What I would eventually
discover was that even when you’re on the inside looking out, it’s easy to be
fooled into thinking everything is fine. On that fateful day many years ago,
what I hadn't appreciated was that what we had was in fact a love triangle, and
knowing that would have given me a whole new perspective.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities

I thought the premise of this book was awesome - and when I say premise I read "Jack the Ripper" and kind of tuned out everything else.

OK so Rory is the fish out of water in London, but quickly makes some really good friends. She settles in, and almost immediately the murders start happening. I put myself in that situation and I would tell you this: I would be calling my parents up and tell them to pick my @ss up. Clearly, that can't happen in this story.

So the murders are happening and then some really weird things start happening to Rory, like when her and her roommate, Jazza, and her sneak out and then Rory sees someone but Jazza doesn't. And then there is that weird officer. So there's a bunch I would like to comment on but I can't. But in the end, Rory is "special" and she has seriously pissed off the person who is doing the Ripper murders.

The Ripper. What a fascinating topic. I learned a lot more from this book, like who named the Ripper the Ripper. I had never thought about it, but the Ripper had never been caught, so how would they know his name was Jack.

There was subtle romance in this book. There were brief make-out sections, but it was NOT a big part of the book. There were two crushes in the book and I will tell you I prefer Stephen over Jerome. Who agrees?

Friday, August 3, 2012

Hi everyone! This is round three with my favorite warlock and I can't thank you all enough for getting him this far.

I get that this round is against another heart throb of mine. And while Jem is that statue that girls all crave, is exotic, and is kick ass in a battle, I want to remind you that Magnus is all of these things PLUS has that extra flare that makes him dangerous and a little sureal. So why should you vote for him? See below. Make sure you read the bottom for some extra, recent developments from Cassandra Clare.

Magnus is so awesome that Cassandra Clare put him in both of her shadowhunter series, The Mortal Instrument series and The Infernal Devices series. In every one of my reviews for these series, there is always a special section for Magnus. I just fell for him.

So who is Magnus Bane? Besides have a fashion sense that someone would kill for, a long list of adventures, and a warlock? Well – I’ll do my best to sum him up for you and not ramble.

Personality: In both series when we meet him, Magnus is inquisitive about situations but is aloof, making characters like Jace, Clary, Tess, and Will work to get him to help. He’s not someone who trusts easily, but when he does, he is fiercely loyal, willing to call on demons, going into a battle to protect Alec, and standing up to Camille to protect Will and Tess.

Magnus is kind of an instigator as well. He likes to put his friends and people who are in authority positions, in conflicting positions, where they typically have to divulge important information (that makes me gasp!).

And a must have in a crush – sarcasm - “I was alive when the Dead Sea was just a lake that was feeling a little poorly.”

Looks: Magnus maybe a little older than the rest of the crushes that are in the tournament – like maybe 800 years older, but the guy doesn’t look OR act his age. He has spiky black hair and cat like, green-yellow, eyes that smolder (at least in my head they do) when he looks at another beautiful character. I mentioned Magnus’s awesome fashion sense and here is a snip-it of his attire duringCity of Ashes: “Even the Inquisitor's eyebrows shot up when Magnus strode through the gate. The High Warlock was wearing black leather pants, a belt with a buckle in the shape of a jeweled M, and a cobalt-blue Prussian military jacket open over a white lace shirt. He shimmered with layers of glitter.” All right ladies, don’t be jealous that he dresses better than us! I mean look at that style!

Talents: Besides being one of the most powerful warlocks in the world? He gives Will (also a hottie) the piece of mind he has been desperately seeking by summoning a demon. He had the ability to protect Clary until it was time for her to realize who she was. His magic is old and powerful; I’m betting it comes from all that time with the Silent Brothers.

Special Attributes: I’m defaulting to his eyes on this one. – Ones you could get lost in. *passes out from swooning*

Best Qualities: He’s not afraid of telling people what they need to hear. He may hurt your feelings but he is going to get you to the revelation you need to kick some evil booty. Isn’t honesty the best policy? Don’t most of our crushes put their lady loves into bad situations because they don’t tell the truth? No Magnus. Just sayin’.

A few of my favorite quotes:

“Even the trip through the Portal had not disarranged Magnus's hair spikes. He tugged on one proudly. "Check it out," he said to Isabelle.

"Magic?"

"Hair gel. $3.99 at Ricky's.”

“We came to see Jace. Is he alright?"

"I don't know," Magnus said. "Does he normally just lie on the floor like that without moving?”

“Or we could go somewhere else,”
said Magnus. “Anywhere you want. Thailand, South Carolina, Brazil, Peru – Oh,
wait, no, I’m banned from Peru. I’d forgotten about that. It’s a long story,
but amusing if you want to hear it.”

“Magnus's eyes gleamed. "He
seems to like you. I saw him going for your hand out there like a squirrel
diving for a peanut.”

There have been some
developments since the last round with Magnus, Here is a snippet from C. Clare
with Clockwork Princess including
Magnus. Click here.

And
the BEST news is, who the people in charge of casting have casted for my
beloved!!! Godfrey Gao will be playing Magnus. THANK YOU CASTING PEOPLE! Just
go google some pics of him. You won’t regret it.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Welcome to my first promo blitz with Reading Addiction Book Tours! Today I have for you a giveaway, an excerpt, and a bio of the fabulous Laura DeLuca

Title: Destiny Unveiled

Genre: YA Paranormal

Author: Laura Deluca

Date Published: 4/2012

Synopsis:

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

Author's Bio:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey
shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult
genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing
fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age
Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been
studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Excerpt:

Darron was on the roof of a large
building, elevated dizzyingly high over the road below. Other skyscrapers
bordered it, but it was by far the largest building in the general area,
standing several stories higher than it's neighbors. The few cars that dotted
the street below looked like insects. Above him, the moon shone full, round,
and red in the night sky. It was an autumn moon, a blood moon. By the light of
that moon, Darron was able to see the practiced movements of six black-cloaked
figures, who swayed to the steady beat of an invisible drum. Their shapes were
obscure in the pale light, and it was impossible to determine if they were men
or women because the dark, hooded robes they wore hid their features from view.

There was an altar erected in the center of a circle that
was outlined in black charcoal. On that altar sat the normal tools of ritual: a
black tipped dagger, a silver chalice, an incense burner, and multiple black
candles. Darron owned similar items. They weren't frightening in themselves.
But the altar, like the people who lingered around it, was outlined by a
shimmering black aura. The vibrations they relayed were no less than evil.
Their presence made Darron shudder. He watched in horror, as a silent and
unwelcome spectator to the forbidden rights.

Four of the cloaked figures took up the elemental corners,
preparing to call the Guardians. The Guardians answered their call, unable to
ignore the summons because magick can't be divided into good and evil. It's
both because nature is both, harsh and devastating yet beautiful and gentle as
the need arises. It was just as easy for the dark witches to harness the
destructive forces of nature as it was for Darron and his coven to call upon
its life giving magick. Good or evil was in the heart of its master, not in the
magick that was wielded.

A fifth cloaked figure, the apparent leader of the group,
stood in the center of the circle with the dagger raised high above his head.
The sixth and final coven member groveled at the feet of the leader, his head
lowered in acquiescence. The hood of his cloak hid his face though he was no
more than a few feet away from Darron.

"Brother and sisters," the leader proclaimed, his
accented voice heavy with his foreboding presence. "Tonight in the wake of
the blood moon, we come together to bring a new brother into our fold. He has
completed the required tasks and proven himself worthy to join us in our
work."

"So mote it be!"

The four other cloaked figures cried out in perfect unison.
Their hands were raised to the sky in honor of the blood moon.

The leader picked up the chalice from the altar. He followed
the path of the circle to all of the elemental corners, stopping at each of the
robed coven members in turn. Each offered their willing hands to their leader,
palm outward. Each welcomed the point of the black edged dagger as it dug into
their open palms without so much as a gasp of pain. The high priest cut a clean
line down the centers of the palms of his disciples, and they all squeezed
their fingers against the open wound to allow the blood to drip into the
waiting chalice.

After collecting the offering from his followers, the leader
returned to the center of the circle and the waiting initiate. With one quick
motion, he sliced open his own palm. He held his hand over the cup, letting his
blood drip slowly into the chalice, until the wound miraculously healed before
Darron's startled eyes. When the chalice was full, he carried it to the eager
initiate who took the cup firmly into his hands and tilted it towards his lips.

"As this blood makes you one with our flesh, so your
soul follows to become one with the darkness," the English voice intoned.

As the initiate drained the last of the liquid in the
chalice, his hood fell away, revealing a blonde ponytail pulled back over a
pale white face, made even paler by the outline of bright red blood around his
lips. Darron watched in stunned, horrified silence as his own face turned to
meet his gaze. Eyes turned as black as coals stared back at Darron with a grim
smile of satisfaction.

"Rise Darron," the leader commanded. And as he
spoke, he lifted the hood from his head. Rise brother of the Dark Coven."

Who wouldn't be hooked by this! Show your support for Laura and leave a comment!

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About Me

A reader. A writer. An English teacher. A dog lover. A music lover. A laugher. Me in a nut shell. I recently self-published my first novel: The Owens Legacy: Revelations and working on the sequel. And while doing that I am distracting myself with anything YA.